Sefa Utaki

セイファウタキ

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Okinawa's most significant sacred site, a powerful spot where you can experience the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Tourist destination images of Sefa Utaki(1)

Tourist destination images of Sefa Utaki(2)

Overview

Sefa Utaki is an important sacred site from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, located in Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is said to have been developed into its current form by King Sho Shin, who ruled the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 15th and 16th centuries. Sefa Utaki is known as one of the most important sacred places in Okinawa. During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, it was managed by the U-dake, the highest-ranking priest of the kingdom. It was the site of ceremonies when the U-dake assumed office, and several sacred places are scattered throughout, including "Chou no Hana," where Amami-Kyu, the Ryukyuan creation god, is said to have descended. Within Sefa Utaki, several sacred places, each with its own mythology, can be found. The innermost sacred place, called Sangui, is considered the most sacred and is believed to be where Amami-Kyu, the Ryukyuan creation god, descended. From Sangui, you can make a distant offering to Kumejima Island, also a World Heritage site. In 2000, Sefa Utaki, along with Shurijo Castle ruins, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of "Ryukyu Kingdom Gusuku Sites and Related Properties". Today, it remains a popular power spot where many people visit to experience Okinawa's history and culture. When visiting Sefa Utaki, please maintain silence and show respect for this sacred place.

Historic Sites
World Heritage

Basic Information

Address: 541 Kudeken, Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Okinawa

Access: By car: Parking is available at Nanjo City Regional Products Museum "Ganju Station Nanjo" or at Chinen Misaki Park (approximately 150 spaces). It's a 7-10 minute walk (about 400 meters) from the entrance to Sefa Utaki. By bus: From Naha Bus Terminal, take the Toyo Bus No. 38 Shikiya Line or No. 338 Saiha Utaki Line. Get off at the Saiha Utaki entrance bus stop (No. 338 is the terminal). Alternatively, take an Okinawa Bus or Toyo Bus bound for "Nanjo City Hall", get off at the terminal, and transfer to the community bus "N-bus" A or B route and get off at the Saiha Utaki entrance bus stop. Show route

Op.Hours: March - November: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Ticket sales until 5:15 PM, entry until 5:30 PM) December - February: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Ticket sales until 4:45 PM, entry until 5:00 PM)

Cld.Days: Closed twice a year (for three days each, from the 1st to the 3rd of the 5th and 10th months of the lunar calendar). In 2017 (Heisei 29), the closure dates were May 26th - 28th and November 18th - 20th.

Fee: Adults: ¥300 (High school students and above) Children: ¥150 (Elementary and Junior High school students) Groups: ¥200 (20 or more people) Tickets are not sold at the Se-fa (Green House) at the entrance of Saijo-gutaki. They are only available for purchase at the Nago City Regional Products Center, "Ganju Station Nago" (parking available).

INFO: Due to the inclined pathways, wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted. Visitors wearing high heels or similar footwear are required to change into complimentary sandals provided at the Se-fa (Green House) located at the entrance of the Saijo-gutaki. The site has seen a significant increase in tourism, resulting in issues such as the wear and tear of the stone pavements and disrespectful behavior, including unauthorized photography of local residents during prayer. To address this and protect the cultural heritage, Nago City is considering implementing a men-only restriction in the future.